Paul Nicholls is still adapting to life after Kauto Star, who contributed five of the champion trainer's seven victories in the William Hill King George VI Chase, including last year.

Now the great champion has been retired, with a dressage career in the offing, the two representatives from Ditcheat will be Paddy Power winner Al Ferof and Kauto Star's half-brother Kauto Stone, who impressed on his comeback at Down Royal.